SYDNEY’S AIR QUALITY SUCKS

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 14:20

Total Environment Centre has warned state political parties to get ready for a public health emergency, based on the findings of a report by the Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Water which projects Sydney's air quality to 2026.

“The next state election will be held during the hottest months in January, February, and March in 2011 which means poor air quality will be an obvious and very real political embarrassment,” said TEC director, Mr. Jeff Angel.

The report indicates that ozone levels in Sydney haven't improved and will worsen over the next 15 years unless the government acts now.

Ozone is the third most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and methane, and the prime component of smog, which is caused by the reaction of auto and industrial emissions with sunlight.

“It will take ten years to get better public transport and a mainstream switch to hybrids and electric cars,” said Mr. Angel. “Car emissions are the single largest contributor to ozone levels, so the NSW state government had better use the next decade to fix up the mess.”

Mr. Jeff Angel noted that population growth will boost petrochemical smog in Sydney to dangerous levels. 

“Hundreds and thousands of people will be potentially harmed by respiratory problems, affecting ears, eyes, nose, throat and lungs,” warned Mr. Angel. “The opening up of major new housing developments in Western Sydney will only make matters worse.”